Integration of Umkhonto SAM to Algerian MEKO A200 frigate nearing completion

In an official press release, Denel Group announced that the integration of the Denel Dynamics Umkhonto short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system on MEKO A200AN frigates belonging to “an international client” is nearing completion.

Denel was contracted to supply the Umkhonto under a five-year program which wold provide not only the SAM but also on-board fire control systems.

“After four years of manufacturing, integration and commissioning we have now reached the final stages of the program,” said Denel Dynamics’ CEO Tsepo Monaheng.

Notes & Comments:

The MEKO A200AN belongs to the Algerian Navy, which ordered two ships from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in a $2.7 billion U.S. purchase in 2012 (with an option for two additional ships).

The MEKO A200AN is configured with a Saab Sea Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam (AMB) 3D air-surveillance radar. The Sea Giraffe is a C-band phased-array radar with a target tracking range of up to 180 km.

The Denel Dynamics Umkhonto is an infrared (IR)-guided SAM with a range of 15-20 km. When launched, the Umkhonto would use the ship’s guidance radar to lead it to the target, but once in terminal range, the Umkhonto’s IR seeker will go live and pursue the target independently. An extended-range version of the Umkhonto – i.e. Umkhonto-EIR – is also under development.